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Michael Franti gets ready for NYE in Bali

In Nyuh Kuning, Ubud, Michael Franti and friends will lead the NYE 2011 revelry, seeing in 2012 with a joyful celebration of life in support of Yayasan Bumi Sehat, the maternity health clinic founded by Ibu Robin Lim, recently awarded CNN Hero of the Year for 2011. All proceeds from the concert will go towards Ibu Robin’s amazing work and the building of a permanent clinic in Nyuh Kuning.
Founder of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy in the early 1990s, followed by Spearhead, Franti is a poet, musician, and social justice activist who has had a home Bali for some years. He spoke to us about his Bali and his thoughts as he looks forward to the NYE show.

How did you first get to know about Ibu Robin and her work? What struck you most about her and what has drawn you to support Yayasan Bumi Sehat as we say goodbye to 2011?
I was introduced to Robin through her daughter Deja who I met in Ubud. The first time I visited Bumi Sehat Robin invited me straight into the birthing room as a delivery was happening as if to say, ‘look, this is what we do here, we bring babies into the world’. She has an amazing sense of purpose, drive and enthusiasm that is infectious. From the first day I saw how she had accomplished so much with such little funding, I told her I would do whatever I could to help.

How would you describe what Bali means to you?
The most beautiful thing about Bali are the Balinese people themselves. The community, culture, religion, art, creativity and love that they express is unique to the planet. Every time I return to Bali, or take a scooter right through the villages, I see something I’ve never witnessed before. I am inspired by the mystery of it, but have always felt at home since the first time I landed on the island.

What are the 5 most important things in your life right now?
My children, my lover, serving as many people as I can through music, my daily yoga/running/meditation practice and laughter.

Michael Franti and Ibu Robin Lim at the Bumi Sehat clinic.

What can people look forward to from the NYE celebration in Nyuh Kuning?
The show is going to Rock!!! I have Jay Bowman on guitar and Carl Young on bass from Spearhead performing with me, as well as a host of other friends and local musicians. We are going to be playing a wide selection of songs people know and love as well as several songs from the new album I am recording at the moment. The New Year’s Eve celebration is to raise funds and honor the the incredible work Bumi Sehat and Robin Lim do to birth new life into the world and to honor the people of the village of Nyuh Kuning who collectively help to give life to Bumi Sehat.

How do you feel as you look back on 2011 and what are your hopes for 2012?
2011 was a time of great upheaval around the world and a time of great personal change for me. I’m excited by the changes I see on our planet. I want to be present for all the relationships in my life and be a difference maker in the world.

Michael Franti & Spearhead – Say Hey (I Love You)

Ticket information:
Limited pre-sale at Rp. 350,000/450,00 Rupiah at 3 walk-in ticket sales outlets: Bumi Sehat Clinic on Jl. Nyuh Kuning, Bali Buddha Ubud and Bali Buddha Kerobokan.
US$45 tickets can be purchased online at http://www.stayhumanstore.com/ticketsales.aspx and will be available at the door for Rp. 500,000 at the door.

Donation tickets can also be purchased online for US$35. These are provided to the local community.